Spring actuated expandable traffic diverting device



Sept. 1l, 1956 M. o. WEIG 2,762,328

SPRING ACTUATED EXPANDABLE TRAFFIC DIVERTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 1e, 1954 INVENTOR. MORRIS O. WBK;

United States Patent O "ice SPRING ACTUATED EXPANDAB'LE TRAFFIC -DIVER'ITNG DEVICE Morris 0. Weig, Lynbrook, N. Y.

.Application August 16, 1954, Serial No. 449,899

.4 Claims. .(Cl. 11G-63) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in tralc diverting signal devices such as are commonly seen on the highways, roads, parkways, turnpikes, and streets to route tralc around construction, obstructions and men at work.

More particularly, the present invention proposes the construction of an improved spring actuated expandable traiiic diverting device which can be collapsed for ready and convenient transporting and storing and which can easily be extended quickly for traic diverting use.

As a further object, the present invention proposes forming the traflic diverting device in familiar conical extended form and with a top handle for carrying, extending and collapsing the device.

Another object of the invention proposes providing releasable means entirely enclosed in the device to hold the device in collapsed condition.

For further comprehesion of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a traic diverting device constructed and arranged in accordance wtih the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the device in collapsed condition.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the structure shown in Figs. 2 and 3 in one stage of collapsing.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing a later stage.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figs. 4 and 5 but showing the final stage.

The traffic diverting device of the present invention has a heavy base 15, and a collapsible hollow center portion 16 of exible material.

The center portion 16 may be of plastic or heavy rubber or other like material. It is generally conical in shape when extended. Center portion 16 has an air exit opening or vent 17 in its side walls 18 and has a top 19 which is weighted by being heavier and thicker than the side walls 18 and otherwise as will later be more fully described.

The base preferably is integral with the center portion and formed as follows: The free bottom edge 20 of the center portion 16 is first folded upwardly as at 21 and then downwardly at 22 to form a tube 23 which is filled with sand or other weight material. The tube 23 is then sealed, preferably heat-sealed, to the free bottom edge 20 of the center portion 16.

A base plate 24 of the same material as the center portion 16 is then sealed to the tube 23 and to the free bottom edge 20.

Inside the tube 23 mounted on the base plate 24 is a 2,762,328 Patented Sept. 11, `1956 2 spring hook holding member 25 to which is'lxed, as by rivet 26, a 'spring hook 27.

,Mounted on the 'top 19 of the center Aportion 16finside the center portion is an anchor plate "28 ysecure'dby bolts 29 to a handle 30 mounted on the outside of the top 19.

A trigger 31 extends down from the anchor plate 28 and a vcoil spring 32 encloses the trigger and the spring hook 27. The coil springnormally'biases the center portion 16 into extended position.

When the top 19 of the center Aportion 16 ispushed downwardly by handle -30 the spring is compressed and the center portion collapsed. The trigger 31 forces lthe spring hook 27 aside (see Fig. 5) until it passes by the hook 27 at which time the spring hook 27 moves forward again and engages the trigger. To release, the top is pulled away from the base by handle 30 until the spring hook 27 is forced back and the trigger pulled free.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that l do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what l claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

l. A portable tratiic diverting device comprising a heavy base, a collapsible hollow center portion of ilexible material, resilient means inside the central portion to extend said portion to tower above the base, means in the base releasably to hold the central portion in collapsed condition, said central portion being conical when extended, said-resilient means being a coil spring, and handle means on top of the center portion to extend said center portion and to carry said device, said means in the base releasably to hold the central portion being a spring hook, said center portion having a trigger at the top thereof removably to engage the spring hook when the center portion is collapsed.

2. A portable traic diverting device comprising a heavy base, a collapsible hollow center portion of exible material, resilient means inside the central portion to extend said portion to tower above the base, means in the base releasably to hold the central portion in collapsed condition, said central portion being conicalfwhen extended, said resilient means being a coil spring, and handle means on top of the center portion to extend said center portion and to carry said device, said means in the base releasably to hold the central portion being a spring hook, said center portion having a trigger at the top thereof removably to engage the spring hook when the center portion is collapsed, said base consisting of weight material enclosed in an annular tubing.

3. A portable traiiic diverting device comprising a heavy base, a collapsible hollow center portion of flexible material, resilient means inside the central portion to extend said portion to tower above the base, means in the base releasably to hold the central portion in collapsed condition, said central portion being conical when extended, said resilient means being a coil spring, and handle means on top of they center portion to extend said center portion and to carry said device, said means in the base releasably to hold the central portion being a spring hook, said center portion having a trigger at the top thereof removably to engage the spring hook when the center portion is collapsed, said base consisting of weight material enclosed in an annular tubing, said annular tubing being integral with the center portion, said center portion having a free bottom edge folded upwardly then downwardly to form a tube, said tube being sealed to said free bottom edge of the center portion.

` 4. A portable traic diverting device comprising a heavy base, a collapsible hollow center portion ofexible4 material, resilient means inside the central portion to extend said portonto tower above the base, means in the base releasably to hold the central portion in collapsed condition, said central portion being conical whenl extended, said resilient means being a coil spring, and handle means on top of the 'center portion to extendsaid center portion and to carry said device, said means in the base releasalily to hold the central portion being a spring hook, said center portion having a trigger at the top thereof removably to engage the spring hook when the center portion is collapsed, said base consisting. of weight material enclosed in an annular tubing, said annular tuhingvbeing integral'with the center portion, said center portion having a free bottom edge folded upwardly then downwardly to form a mbe,`said tube being sealed to said free bottom edge of the center portion, a base plate across the base, and a spring hook holding member secured to the spring hook and secured to the base plate.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

